Berkoff done with Style (Sarah McNeill) * * * * *KVETCH!

KVETCH WTC - Rechabites Hall The Post Sarah McNeill BERKOFF DONE WITH STYLE: Aurthor Helen Fielding once wrote: "No one is thinking about you. They're thinking about themselves, just like you." In Steven Berkoff's absurdist comedy about Kvetching (whingeing), five people are crippled by their own gnawing self-doubt, excruciating low self-esteem and fear filled anxiety. Such unhappy lives might be depressing but for some tight direction by Bryce Manning and a strong cast who play up the acid humour and wild, vein-popping anxiety to perfection. Peter Clark's explosive energy as salesman Frank sets the pace for Summer Williams as his doubting, dumb wife, Donna. Matt Penny plays the ineffectual Hal who comes to dinner, Helen Burgess the mumbling, grumbling mother and Michael Rae the chilling, smug and patronising George, who needs to prove his manhood with Frank's wife. Each switches effortlessly from interaction to private reaction that sets a cracking pace of violent reflections. It's pure Berkoff, done with style. KVETCH can still be seen on the following dates: May: 23, 24, 25, 26, 30 & 31st June: 01, 02 & 03rd Rechabites Theatre, William Street, Northbridge Tickets through BOCS (or on the door)